Winterfest 2019

Think: twinkling lights, festive holiday trees, horse-drawn carriage rides, hot cocoa and caroling.

The holiday season commences in Downtown Cleveland on Saturday, Nov. 30 with the kind of full-on holiday hoopla that’ll have you ready for the jolliness of the season.

But, since this is Cleveland, we also threw in some live music and a massive fireworks display. Because that's how we do.

What to Do There:

• Winterfest marks the official beginning of the holiday season in Cleveland, so, as you might expect, the event culminates in the lighting of the city's own Christmas tree on Public Square starting around 6 p.m.

• But there's plenty to do before nightfall. Recently moved from Playhouse Square to the more central (and renovated) Public Square, it's a scene out of a traditional European Christmas market: ice skating, a Christmas village, activities for kids, food and live music.

• After sundown, once the tree is lit, stay for an incredible Downtown fireworks show, live bands and a visit from Santa Claus himself.

What Else to Do:

• Downtown Cleveland Alliance, which puts on Winterfest, also partners with other entities who roll out the holiday carpet, as well. Tower City Center will host holiday-themed performances, typically aimed at children.
• Meanwhile, Playhouse Square gets in on the act, as well, opening the Allen Theatre for the annual Festival of Trees. 
• Indie-craft favorite, the Cleveland Bazaar, opens another holiday-themed pop-up shop with loads of indie makers in the 5^th Street Arcades from 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. that day.
• Don't forget the after-party! Whether it's enjoying cookies and hot chocolate after the tree is lit, or heading to the nearby Warehouse District for some adult beverages, Cleveland makes sure there's a whole slew of chances to unwind after the cold and eventful day.

Visit Me in CLE

Haven’t had the chance to catch up with one of Destination Cleveland’s Visit Me in CLE activations around town this summer, but are jonesing to send your out-of-town friends our signature "Visit Me in CLE" post cards?

You’re in luck! The Cleveland Visitors Center, located at 334 Euclid Avenue (at the corner of East Fourth Street), will be open from during Winterfest for you to send your family and friends an open invite to visit this holiday season and beyond.

While there, be sure to pick up your Cleveland Brewery Passport , take a family pic with our A Christmas Story House photo opp, enjoy some holiday-inspired refreshments, enter to win a few giveaways and get the inside scoop on things to do in the Land from our Cleveland concierge team. 

Where to Crash?

While the Renaissance Cleveland Hotel and Ritz Carlton, Cleveland are physically connected to Tower City Center and offer great proximity to the lighting on Public Square, other hotels like the Hyatt Regency (Cleveland at the Old Arcade), Holiday Inn Express (Downtown Cleveland), Crowne Plaza (Cleveland at Playhouse Square), Schofield Hotel (Kimpton), Metropolitan at The 9 all sit within the Winterfest action.

Or, check out all the hotels in Downtown Cleveland, which offer walkable proximity to just about everything Downtown.

What You’ll See at Winterfest …

For more information on Winterfest, visit Downtown Cleveland Alliance .